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Topic: MATTHEWS in Salisbury late 1700s (Read 2126 times)

Is anyone researching Matthews in Salisbury and surrounding parishes in the 1780s and 1790s please?

I have a Sarah Matthews who has her birthplace down as Salisbury on the 1851 census born sometime around 1788/9 although its not certain if she definately knew her age since her daughter definately didn't on the death certificate!

There is a Sarah Matthews baptised in Salisbury St Edmunds in June 1789 to William and Elizabeth Matthews, born December 1787. Although there is no indication on the baptism, I suspect her father may be the William Matthews buried in May 1788 since I've so far found no other children to them.

At present I'm working my way through the three Salisbury parishes. I've yet to find a marriage of a William and Elizabeth Matthews. Any help appreciated, especially if anyone knows anything about this couple.

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I'm researching Matthews but in Market Lavington, West Lavington and Great Cheverell. Not sure if that close enough to be of any help? My Matthews moved to Sherston in 1789.

I have 2 Sarah Matthews but they are too early to be connected. Christened in 1744 and then another Sarah in 1745 (I'm assuming the first Sarah died) in Great Cheverell. Their parents were William Matthews and Sarah Coleman. I have lots of other Williams but I haven't researched them.

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No I'm no further forward after 9 years even with the PRs now on Ancestry. My suspicion is that the baptism in 1789 to William and Elizabeth may possibly have the wrong father's name on the entry as there is a John and Elizabeth having children baptised in the parish at that time but there is a four year gap (I think from memory) between two of the children at the right time. I've not found any other children to a William and Elizabeth in that wider area.

My Sarah ended up in London and had her birthplace down as Salisbury on the 1851 Census but she could quite easily have come from one of the smaller parishes in the area and just said Salisbury for ease. I've tried following forward the family of John and Elizabeth Matthews but not had much luck. I do know that the maternal grandmother of their children was named Sarah so its quite likely they could have had a child of that name but no evidence to suggest whether it could be my Sarah. There is also of course the possibility that my Sarah was non-conformist, although there is no subsequent link to non-conformity with her or her children (her husband was German), and the record is missing. Hoping at some point that something may come to light to identify her origins.

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